More than 500 people who were in attendance, not counting children, had the opportunity to receive prizes and check out great offers on travel destinations and hotels.

Many prizes were handed out all night. At the end of the evening, Col. Dwayne Thomas, 36th Mission Support Group commander, drew numbers for the grand prizes which included: a three day Palau vacation package courtesy of Fly Guam, Palau Pacific Resorts and Sam's Tours; two round trip air fares anywhere in Asia courtesy of United Airlines; and two round trip air fares anywhere in the U.S. courtesy of Delta Airlines.

Ryan Tradell won the grand prize, a four-day, three-night Cairns Australia Vacation Package. The prize included two round-trip tickets to Australia, a train ride through the rainforest, a cruise around the Great Barrier Reef, and more.

"Ecstatic, couldn't believe it," Sergeant Tradell said. "This is our first time to come out to an event like this and win anything."

The event provided not only an opportunity for Team Andersen to get an idea of the great offers available, but gave the vendors a chance to boost sales.

"Vendors and customers alike were wowed," said Paul Floyd, 36th Force Support Squadron Community Services Flight chief. "'Best ever,' was the theme of the night. The travel industry representatives absolutely love the Andersen community."

Though the vendors ensured they entertained their potential customers with free giveawayscookies and brochures, the true value of the event came from their travel offers.

"More than $24,000 in prizes and unbeatable travel deals were afforded to the community," said Mr. Floyd. "The vendors had a unique opportunity to market to a very interested and travel savvy demographic. Bringing these two groups together is a win-win for everyone."

According to Floyd, the Travel Fair was a huge success and shows an increasing interest in the Andersen Community.

"It just keeps getting better and better," said Mr. Floyd. "At least an additional hundred attendees and another half dozen vendors added to the excitement and energy of the event. The huge turnout and success guarantees the community and vendors will keep coming back year after year."